July 21, 2023

While publishers may provide input on a game in progress, the design/developer builds the game from scratch. They are the ones creating the visuals, gameplay, and overall feel of the game.

If you who explain to the programmer how the game should look and function, you would typically be referred to as a game designer or a game design consultant. As a game designer, your role involves creating the overall vision and concept for the game, defining its mechanics, gameplay elements, story, level design, and user experience. If the project is digital the design/developer works closely with programmers, artists, and other members of the development team to communicate ideas and ensure that the game aligns with the design specifications.

To be considered a publisher in the gaming industry, you would typically need to fulfill certain qualifications and responsibilities. Here are some factors that generally define a game publisher: Publishers typically provide the financial resources required to develop and market a game. They invest in the development process, covering expenses such as salaries, production costs, marketing, and distribution. Publishers are responsible for promoting and distributing the game to reach its target audience. This involves developing marketing strategies, coordinating advertising campaigns, and securing distribution channels. Publishers handle legal aspects, such as licensing agreements, contracts with developers, intellectual property protection, and compliance with regulations. Publishers also use quality assurance teams for testing and ensuring the game meets certain standards in terms of gameplay, technical performance, and bug fixing.

The developer of a digital game typically refers to the individual or team responsible for creating the game, which encompasses various roles and responsibilities. While programming is a crucial aspect of game development, it is just one part of the overall process. Digital game development involves several disciplines, including programming, art and design, sound design, level design, writing, and more.

The programmer, is responsible for writing the code that brings the game to life. They handle the technical aspects of game development, implementing the game mechanics, creating the underlying systems, optimizing performance, and ensuring smooth functionality. However, game development also requires collaboration with other professionals. 

In regard to a board game, the terms "develop" and "manufacture" are often used interchangeably, but there can be a distinction between the two. Game development in the board game industry refers to the creative process of designing, developing and refining the game mechanics, rules, components, and overall gameplay experience. As the designer and independent publisher of the game, I'm responsible for developing the game concept, designing the rules, creating the game's mechanics and balance, and playtesting the game to ensure it is enjoyable and engaging for players.

Game manufacturing refers to the physical production and manufacturing of the board game itself. Once the game design is complete, you would work with a manufacturer to produce the physical components of the game, such as the game board, cards, tokens, dice, rulebooks, and packaging. The manufacturer takes the specifications provided by the designer/developer/publisher and handles the printing, manufacturing, and assembly of the game components.

In the realm of board and digital games, you wear multiple hats! As the designer, developer, and publisher, you are responsible for the game's conception, rules, mechanics, and balance. So when it comes to the board game I can consider myself the designer, developer and publisher but not the manufacturer. And when it comes to the digital game I can consider myself the designer, developer and publisher but not the programmer. I THINK??? Regardless whether, to produce a digital or board games, it takes a village to make a gaming masterpiece!